The Levitate Music Festival has grown from a celebration in 2013 to a three-day annual event, drawing about 45,000 people to the Marshfield Fairgrounds.
Walking around the festival, Kara Hoblin, an artist from Long Island, was looking for her next inspiration.
“I don’t come up with an idea beforehand,” said Hoblin. “I did do an octopus in 2019, so right before the pandemic. I was thinking about doing another chalktopus.”
With vivid detail, her newest work was well underway when she spoke to reporters. She’s been drawing since she was five, but has spent the last five years working professionally for Kara Bella Art (@Karabellaa on Instagram).
“Chalk especially is such an ephemeral medium. It’s more about being present in the moment, working. I love when people get to appreciate it, and interact with it,” said Hoblin. “Then we let nature wash it away, and do it again another time.”
Kara Hoblin from Kara Bella Art with an octopus drawn from chalk. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
Over near the main stage, Goth Babe, led by singer Griff Washburn, just concluded an hour-long set.
Watching the show was Haylee Goodwin, of Halifax, who attended the festival for her third year. She was asked about her favorite part of the event.
“Just the atmosphere, I think that’s what,” said Goodwin. “Some of the bands I don’t even know, it’s just the atmosphere. All the people coming, all the vendors.”
She was looking forward to seeing Dirty Heads, Stephen Marley, and Jack Johnson.
Joining her was Chuck Bailey who attended the Levitate Festival the last time it was held.
“I’m from Marshfield and I never thought I’d be coming here,” said Bailey. “I’m not into half the music, but it’s just the atmosphere. You come here and everybody’s having a great time. It’s just really, really cool. On my third day last [festival], I bought tickets for this year.”
For some, campsites were set up at the Indianhead Campground in Plymouth, Wompatuck in Hingham, and Tupelo Hollow in Wellfleet.
Ashlee Paradis and Sebastian Randazzo drove from Wilmington, Connecticut for the festivities.
“We had no problems,” said Randazzo. “The shuttle bus system was awesome. We parked at the school and got bussed in. It was nice. We got our slips there too, so we were able to get right in.”
They were looking forward to seeing Vulfpeck and Stephen Marley, and traveled from the Pinewood Campground in Plymouth.
“The good music, the good food, and the shopping,” Paradis said were her favorite aspects of the festival.
WATD reporter Gill Johnston contributed to this report.
Stephen Marley performs during the first day of the Levitate Festival. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
Goth Babe performs an hour-long set during the first day of the festival. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
The Plymouth County Sheriff’s Department had a mobile command post set up at Levitate. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
GA-20 on the Soul Stage at Levitate. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
A crowd forms at the Style Stage, one of three stages at the Marshfield Fairgrounds. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
An estimate of between 15,000 and 20,000 people attended each day of the three-day festival. Photo credit: Lenny Rowe.
